FAQ
TL;DR: CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT (0x101) strikes when "an expected clock interrupt was not received." For overclocked i5‑2500K/ASRock P67 rigs, fix by clearing OCs, updating BIOS, and checking drivers. [Bug Check 0x101 CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT]
Why it matters: It gives DIY builders a safe path to diagnose intermittent 0x101 BSODs without risky changes.
Quick Facts
- Bug check 0x00000101 = CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT; Windows missed a clock interrupt on a secondary processor. [*Bug Check 0x101 CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT*]
- To isolate OC faults fast, set CPU to AUTO in BIOS and test. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #17894024]
- Bad or misconfigured drivers can trigger this BSOD; update chipset and GPU drivers. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #17894080]
- Overclocking instability, including raised FSB/BCLK, has triggered 0x101 in real cases. [Elektroda, aachi, post #17894495]
- BIOS updates: follow vendor notes; some boards need intermediate steps, others allow flashing straight to latest. [Elektroda, Kolobos, post #20457226]
What does CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT (0x101) actually mean?
Windows did not receive an expected clock interrupt on a secondary processor. The bug check value is 0x00000101. It points to a stalled CPU core in a multiprocessor system. Clear overclocks and update BIOS before deeper debugging or dump analysis. [Bug Check 0x101 CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT]
Could my overclock be the cause even if it seemed stable for weeks?
Yes. A reported case tied 0x101 to an overclock via increased FSB/BCLK. Marginal OCs can pass briefly, then fail under heat or workload. Revert to stock and retest before changing other parts. [Elektroda, aachi, post #17894495]
Should I set the CPU to AUTO to test for BSOD?
Yes. Set CPU options to AUTO in UEFI and test. If BSODs stop, your overclock caused instability. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #17894024]
Will a BIOS update help with CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT?
Yes. "Updating the BIOS should help." Install the vendor’s latest for your exact board revision. Follow the documented flashing method. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #17893916]
Do I need to install every intermediate BIOS or just the latest?
Follow the manufacturer’s guidance. Some models require intermediate updates or other steps. Others allow flashing directly to the newest BIOS. [Elektroda, Kolobos, post #20457226]
How do I fix "Instant Flash: No image file detected" on ASRock P67?
Use ASRock Instant Flash correctly.
- Format a USB drive as FAT32 and copy the unzipped BIOS to the root.
- Confirm the file matches your exact motherboard model and revision.
- Enter UEFI, choose Instant Flash, then select and flash the file.
Instant Flash shows that message when the image is missing or mismatched. [
ASRock Instant Flash]
Can bad or misconfigured drivers cause CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT?
Yes. Misconfigured or bad drivers can trigger BSODs like CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT. Update chipset, storage, and GPU drivers from the vendor, then test at stock. [Elektroda, Pedros050, post #17894080]
What do 'offset' and 'fixed' Vcore modes mean on ASRock P67?
Fixed (manual) sets a constant CPU core voltage. Offset applies a positive or negative delta to the CPU’s VID so voltage still scales with power states. Use either, but test at stock first. [ASRock P67 Pro3 User Manual]
What stock speeds should I expect on an i5‑2500K after resetting to AUTO?
Expect 3.3 GHz base and up to 3.7 GHz Turbo Boost under load when stock. These are i5‑2500K’s reference speeds. [Intel Core i5‑2500K Processor — ARK]
The BSOD still appears at stock and after a BIOS update. What next?
Enable crash dumps and analyze the 0x101 bug check to guide action. Keep BIOS defaults and disable overclocks. Focus on CPU, firmware, and drivers based on the analysis. [Bug Check 0x101 CLOCK_WATCHDOG_TIMEOUT]
Is increasing FSB/BCLK a common trigger for 0x101 on Sandy Bridge?
It can be. A case in this thread linked 0x101 to raising the FSB/BCLK. Return that setting to default and retest. [Elektroda, aachi, post #17894495]
The BSOD was intermittent. How long should I test at stock?
Because the BSOD was intermittent, test at stock across normal daily sessions. Use the system as before and watch for recurrence. [Elektroda, Anonymous, post #17894031]
